The scoreline ultimately looked comfortable for the Atlas Lions, but it masked a difficult first half in which Canada were the sharper side. The co-hosts began with energy and pressing intensity, forcing Morocco into repeated errors and winning a series of early set-pieces. Canada even came close to an opener when Tani Oluwaseyi broke through on goal after a defensive turnover, only to be denied by a strong save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Morocco, meanwhile, struggled to establish rhythm and suffered an early setback when key midfielder Ismael Saibari was forced off with a hamstring injury in the 22nd minute. The disruption added to a disjointed first-half display, with coach Mohamed Ouahbi visibly frustrated on the touchline as misplaced passes and loose possession prevented his side from building control.

Canada thought they might carry their momentum into the break, but the match turned shortly after halftime. In the 50th minute, captain Achraf Hakimi played a clever free-kick routine from the right, finding Ounahi on the edge of the area. The midfielder struck first time, sending a composed finish into the bottom corner from distance to give Morocco the lead against the run of play.

The goal shifted the balance of the contest. Canada’s intensity dropped, while Morocco grew in confidence and began exploiting space on the counter-attack. The North Africans looked far more assured in midfield and began to dictate tempo as Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Morocco struck decisively again in the 82nd minute. Brahim Díaz played Ounahi through on a quick break, and the midfielder unleashed a powerful shot into the roof of the net to complete his brace. The strike made him the first African player since 2002 to score twice in a World Cup knockout match.

Canada’s resistance was effectively over, and Morocco added a third in stoppage time when Rahimi finished a flowing counter-attack involving Díaz to cap a clinical final phase.

The victory marks Morocco’s second consecutive World Cup quarter-final appearance, further underlining their growing reputation as one of Africa’s strongest tournament sides. They now await the winner of France vs Paraguay in Boston on July 9.